Malvasia
Malvasia, an ancient grape family, produces wines of varied styles—dry, sparkling, and sweet. Predominantly grown in Zamora, Valencia, and the Canary Islands (where it yields the sweet Canary sec), but also in Portugal, where it contributes to Madeira and white wines in regions like Colares and Douro.
Malvasia is commonly used in blends, where they contribute aromatics and freshness to the final wine composition. Due to its low acidity, Malvasia enhances body weight and texture in the white Rioja Blend through easy oxidation.
Taste
The majority of vinified Malvasia wines are white, and due to the numerous sub-varieties, a specific flavour profile is challenging to generalize.
The renowned Malvasia Bianca grape primarily yields white wines, while Malvasia Nera contributes to red blends. Dry and sweet Malvasia varieties often display floral, ripe stone fruit, tropical fruit, and citrus notes
Other
Notable wines produced from the Malvasia grape include Blandy's 5 Year Old Malmsey Madeira, Flora Springs "Soliloquy" from Napa Valley (California), and Fontana Candida Frascati from Lazio (Italy).